Southeast Maluku (29 July
2024) - … A place of refuge in old age, the final resting place… The
melodious voices of the children were echoing, singing the song of Indonesia
Pusaka. The sun gradually set, and the strong sea breeze did not cause enthusiasm
to wane. How could they not be? Who wouldn’t feel excited to sing aboard a
warship? Especially for the children of Great Kei Island. The big warship,
maybe, is never been seen them. Not only that, the children were happier since
the Ministry of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, lent her voice, joining them in singing together. Listening to the song that has become the symbol of love for
the homeland, woke the nationalism of whoever hearing.
That afternoon (24/7/2024), The
Ship of The Republic of Indonesia Teluk Weda 526 was docked at Elat Port Pier,
District of Great Kei, Southeast Maluku. The arrival of the warship was for
humanity's mission. Together with Ministry of Social Affairs helped the people of
the outermost island. The cabin inside the ship used to store war tanks, was
turned into a place for various social assistance. Meanwhile, the deck where
helicopters usually land is filled with children, teachers, and curious
people. A big tent was set in the helipad
area. Under the tent, children sat in lines, while the teachers observed them
from the edge. Initially, only 10 students from 25 schools were invited to the ship.
However, seeing the great enthusiasm, Minister Risma invited more people to
join the event on the ship. Interestingly, hundreds of students were wearing
t-shirts with some letters written on them “You and I are one, one nation, one
homeland, and one language.”
For Minister Risma, visiting the
outmost island was a message. The message is that wherever and how far you are, the
people on the outmost island will never be left behind. The Kei Islands are part of
Wallacea, which refers to the collection of Indonesian islands that are
separated by deep seas from the Asian and Australian continental plates.
Greater Kei Island, precisely in Tanjung Luswed Ohoi Weduar Feer, South Great
Kei, is adjacent to Australia. Surely, it is not easy to reach Great Kei.
Minister Risma had to spend 27 hours by sea from Ambon with Teluk Weda 526.
Although living on an island far
from the capital city, their spirit of nationalism dances brightly. Take Fikram
Rokubun (12), a 6th-grade student of Inpress Dit Rahareng Elementary School, who
wrote a poem that was being read aloud in front of Minister Risma. "Don't
think I'm a coward, look first at my nation, my beloved Indonesia," said
Fikram while reading a poem. A fragment of that poem was created on the spot
during the event with Minister Risma and the Navy on the KRI Teluk Weda. His
poem was awarded a prize by Minister
Risma. Initially given painting tools, he asked to exchange them for
the Quran. Because he aspires to become a religious teacher. Although he has
different aspirations from Fikram, another student, Jems Piter Heatubun (11),
shares the same spirit of nationalism. This 6th-grade student from Inpres
Harangur Elementary School wants to become a soldier. He intends to fight
for the country.
In addition to having a sense of nationalism, the children in Kei Besar also possess talents. One of them is Feronica Ohoinol (12). Together with her friends, the girl affectionately called Fero showcased her ability to play the ukulele in front of Minister Risma. National songs were chosen to be sung as a form of her love for the homeland. Her skill in singing while strumming the small guitar immediately captured the attention of all the attendees. Fero and her friends were very happy to have the experience of being on a warship. She said there were no words to describe her feelings, as she had never even dreamed of stepping foot on a warship.
On board, the KRI Teluk Weda, Minister Risma not only played with the children but also conveyed a message of peace. A ship cannot reach its destination without unity and harmony. This is how Minister Risma analogized that a person will not succeed if they are quarreling with their friends. "Now, if you want to successfully reach your destination, you must not fight with your friends," said Minister Risma. "Do not fight, do not bully," was the message she repeatedly conveyed to the children present on the KRI Teluk Weda. Nationalism is eroded by conflict. Therefore, it is essential to nurture it from an early age by instilling a sense of love for one another among children.